Night of Museums at the National Széchényi Library 2026

 

Night of Museums 2026

National Széchényi Library

National Library of Foreign Literature

 

Handcrafted delicacies, a book auction, quizzes, family programmes and exclusive guided tours await visitors of all ages in a cultural adventure full of discoveries. On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the NSZL will be more than just a library – it will be an experience!

 

 

GETTING TO THE LIBRARY

The National Széchényi Library is located in the 1st district of the capital, in Building F of the Buda Castle. Its main entrance opens from the Lion’s Courtyard. The Lion’s Courtyard is located between the Hungarian National Gallery and the National Széchényi Library.
The main entrance can be accessed via four routes:

• On foot from Dísz Square,
• On foot from Dózsa György Square, then using the elevators on Palota Street,
• On foot from Várkert Bazár, then using the elevator,
• On foot from Clark Ádám Square, or by funicular, then on foot.

 

 

 

 

Secret storage rooms, late-night artisanal market,
a feast of flavours and book bargains at the National Library
Saturday, 20 June 2026, from 6:00 PM

 

PROGRAMMES

 

 

 

Night-time Ice Cream Salon
During the Night of Museums, the Asztalka confectionery and café welcomes visitors under the arcades of the National Széchényi Library. For the evening we prepare special homemade ice creams, refreshing homemade squashes, as well as sweet and savoury delicacies. We would like to add a gastronomic experience to the atmosphere of the evening, where handcrafted flavours and culture meet on a special summer night.

Location: 5th floor, main entrance
Time: ongoing

 

English guided tour through the building of the library

During the guided tour, visitors can learn about the history and operation of the palace and the library, receive information about the library’s collections and responsibilities, and explore the various levels of the building, including its reading rooms.

Location: 5th floor, departure from the main staircase
Duration: 60 minutes
Start times: 

• 6:15 PM
• 8:30 PM

 

 

Creative Games – Do a jigsaw puzzle with us!

Since 2006, Gábor Gondos has been designing unique jigsaw puzzles, and his playhouses are especially popular among our visitors. This time, participants can try two giant puzzles measuring 160 and 180 centimetres in diameter, along with many smaller but equally unique designs. These puzzles offer multiple possible arrangements, allowing players to discover the logical structures. Everyone can create their own patterns. The inspiration behind the games ranges from the world of fractals to Arab ornamentation and even Corvina decorations. Well worth a try!

Location: 5th floor, South Corridor
Time: ongoing
 

Aranylét Family Honey – Beekeeping by Gábor Szabó

Since 2022, this organic apiary has delighted customers with delicious artisanal honey. This year they bring freshly extracted flower and acacia honey from the latest harvest to please future consumers.

Location: 5th floor, corridor
Time: ongoing

 

 

Fair of Publications and Products by the Benedictine Monks of Bakonybél

Visitors to the national library can browse publications and products from the Saint Maurice Benedictine Monastery of Bakonybél during the evening. The monastery’s economic activities aim to support the sustainable well-being of the whole person through products and services rooted in the Benedictine traditions of Bakonybél.
Visitors will find spiritual literature, herbal teas, dried medicinal herbs and spices, jams, liqueurs and wines, herbal chocolates, flavoured biscuits, soaps, essential oils, and many other products made according to monastic traditions.

Location: 5th floor, staircase landing
Time: ongoing

 

Take it away! Book bargain corner
Those who do not wish to participate in the auction – or who are outbid on their selected items – can browse books available for 300 HUF while supplies last.
Please note that payment is accepted in cash only. Thank you for your understanding!

Location: 6th floor, Founders’ Hall
Time: ongoing

 

 

Wearable Jewellery from a Handful of Beads – Jewellery Exhibition and Fair by Andrea Bogláriné Soponyai

The jewellery artist returns once again as our guest. Inspired by the black-white-silver installation of our exhibition based on Mór Jókai’s novel A jövő század regénye (The Novel of the Century to Come), as well as by symbols appearing in the novel itself, her jewellery creations will be displayed in showcases.
Since 2007, symbols and forms have inspired the artist. She creates jewellery from Swarovski crystals, minerals, Czech faceted beads and Japanese beads. Her work is characterized by diverse techniques and forms, rich colours, harmony and delicacy.
During the Night of Museums, visitors can ask the artist about her inspirations and techniques and may also purchase colourful earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Location: 6th floor
Time: ongoing

 

 

Flour, Squash, Jam, Tea, Spices and Soap from Natural Farming – Fundraising for the Pauline Order

Families committed to supporting the Hungarian Pauline Order collect donations for the order. Those who donate money, receive wholemeal and white flour made from hand-sown wheat cultivated without herbicides or fertilizers; squashes made from chemical-free herbs such as elderflower, lemon balm, sage, acacia and mint; jams, teas such as mint and thyme; spices such as thyme and summer savory; fruit vinegar, herbal creams, and biscuits baked from their own flour. The products come from Saint Elizabeth Gardens in Herencsény, Solymár, Pécsely, Paloznak and Vászoly, as well as from private family gardens.

Location: 6th floor
Time: ongoing

 

 

Carrot Jam and Garden Rue – recipes and Household Tricks from Old Cookbooks and Calendars

Old recipes were not only about preparing meals but also about their effects: what should be eaten in cold weather, during fasting periods or in times of illness. Calendars and cookbooks were true treasure troves of household knowledge: recipes for stain remover made from ox bile, preserving asparagus or making candles from horse chestnuts could also be found in them.
What makes an old cookbook different from a modern one? And in what other old printed materials do the worlds of dining, drinking and feasting appear? During the half-hour-long guided presentation by the staff of the Department of Early Printed Books Archive, visitors can find answers to these questions. The programme takes place in the Apponyi Room, which remains open throughout the evening.

Location: 6th floor, Apponyi Room
Lecture times: 

• 7:00 PM
• 10:15 PM

Time: ongoing

 

Steampunk and Sci-Fi from the 19th Century – Arts and Crafts Workshop

Did you know that in his novel A jövő század regénye (The Novel of the Century to Come), Mór Jókai imagined unbreakable glass cities and various flying machines more than 150 years ago? During the Night of Museums, you can become a city designer too: let us draw together the ideal city of the future, create your own steampunk aerodrome from paper, or make optical toys. Join us where the past meets the future!

Location: 7th floor, Catalogue Hall
Time: ongoing

 

 

Games, Literature and Gastronomy at One Table

The Homoludens.hu Association welcomes all age groups with a cheerful and interactive programme connecting board games, Hungarian literature and gastronomy into a shared experience.
Special attention will be given to games inspired by Mór Jókai, Hungarian literature and the world of food, including our own versions of Taboo, Activity and association games. Participants can also try board games based on well-known books. The association also brings several of its large-scale custom-made wooden skill games, as well as thematic quiz wheels. A light-hearted and playful programme for families, children and adults alike – for everyone who enjoys discovering literature from a different perspective.

Location: 7th floor, North Reading Room
Time: ongoing

 

 

 

 

National Library of Foreign Literature  
(1056 Budapest, Molnár street 11)

 

PROGRAMMES

 

During this year’s Night of Museums, the National Library of Foreign Literature will be filled with fantasy, culture and interactive programmes: Tolkien-inspired board games, a Scottish dance house, concerts and many more exciting activities await visitors.

Children and adults alike are warmly welcome on this special summer evening where past and fantasy, music and stories come together.

 

 

Board Game Journey through Middle-earth

Come and defeat Sauron, help the hobbits and save Middle-earth – through board games! We welcome younger and older visitors alike with dozens of games and enthusiastic game masters.
The programme is organized in cooperation with the Hungarian Tolkien Society.

Location: National Library of Foreign Literature, ground floor, atrium
Time:

• 4:00 PM–8:00 PM, ongoing

 

 

Scottish Dance House for Beginners

The Budapest Scottish Dance Club is the only non-profit association in Hungary dedicated to promoting Scottish dance and has been a member of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society since 1992.
They regularly participate in Scottish dance meetings abroad (Scotland, Austria, Germany, etc.). Dancers from all over the world attend the International Scottish Weekend held every two years in Budapest. In 2017, for example, the event welcomed two hundred participants. The club regularly organizes Scottish dance programmes and has been hosting beginner dance houses for twenty-four years.
Information: www.bstk.hu

Location: National Library of Foreign Literature, ground floor, atrium
Duration: 60 minutes
Time:

• 8:30 PM

 

 

Concertos – Violin and Piano Concert by Márton Vörösváry

The exceptionally talented artist graduated in both violin and piano from the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music before continuing his master studies in the Netherlands. He is the prize winner of numerous national and international competitions and has performed successfully both in Hungary and abroad.
The special feature of the evening is that the audience can hear outstanding works of Romantic and 20th-century concerto repertoire interpreted by a versatile and internationally acclaimed performer.

Featuring: Sára Harsányi

 

 

Location: National Library of Foreign Literature, mezzanine floor, Event Hall
Duration: 60 minutes
Time:

• 7:00 PM

 

 

Free Library Membership

A special opportunity to start the summer enriched with a one-year-long library membership.

Location: National Library of Foreign Literature, ground floor, registration
Time:

• 4:30 PM–9:30 PM

 

Treasures of the Music Collection

Special highlights from our collection – musical delicacies.

Location: National Library of Foreign Literature, Music Collection
Time:

• 4:30 PM–8:00 PM, ongoing